By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Aug. 13, GNA – Mr Stephen Adom, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ho, has inspected ongoing rehabilitation works on three collapsed culverts at Adzimakope, Somey and the Ho Technical University (HTU) areas of the Ho municipality.
The inspection formed part of efforts by the Ho Municipal Assembly to assess progress on the emergency works and ensure that the projects were completed to the required standards to restore safe and smooth vehicular movement.
Mr Adom said the culvert at Adzimakope had remained collapsed for about four years, disrupting movement and economic activities in the area.
He said the Assembly was unable to undertake the rehabilitation earlier because the necessary approval had not been secured, but the situation worsened following the heavy rains recorded this year and the increased volume of water flowing through the area.
“We had to quickly put in place some emergency measures and fix the Adzimakope culvert because it serves a lot of people and has seriously affected movement within the enclave,” he said.
Mr Adom expressed optimism that the main construction works would be completed by the following week, after which the structure would be allowed to cure before filling and other finishing works were undertaken.
He said, subject to the completion of the remaining works, motorists and residents could begin using the Adzimakope bridge by early September.
At the Ho Technical University area, Mr Adom said the culvert collapsed suddenly, creating serious risks for motorists and other road users.
He said the Assembly, in collaboration with the Urban Roads Department, immediately assessed the situation and introduced temporary measures while arrangements were made for permanent rehabilitation.
“By the close of August, we expect to have a free road here. We therefore appeal to motorists and residents to bear with us,” he said.
Mr Adom explained that the ongoing drainage works from the Stadium area had increased the volume and pressure of stormwater reaching the culvert, contributing to its failure.
He said the new structure had therefore been expanded to accommodate the increased volume of water and ensure efficient drainage when the adjoining storm-drain works were completed.
The MCE said the Assembly had also packaged alternative routes, including the ARS and Poly areas, to ease pressure on the affected roads.
He said the Assembly was preparing to engage a well-resourced contractor to undertake the alternative routes, with work expected to commence by next month.
Mr Prosper Sosu of Sapel Company Limited, the contractor executing some of the works, assured residents that quality would not be compromised.
He said personnel from the Urban Roads Department were regularly monitoring the projects to ensure that the correct materials, mix ratios and construction specifications were followed at every stage.
“If the work is not certified, we cannot move to the next stage. We are therefore not compromising on quality,” he said.
Mr Sosu said the new culverts had been enlarged compared with the previous structures to allow stormwater to flow freely and reduce the risk of future collapse.
He said the project would also include storm drains and retaining walls to protect nearby buildings and improve the durability of the structures.
Mr Prosper Folitsey, Ho Municipal Engineer, said the culverts had collapsed largely because the old structures could not contain the volume of water generated by heavy rains, while erosion had further weakened them.
He said the new structures had been expanded to accommodate increased water flows and improve the resilience of the road network.
Mr Folitsey commended the MCE for lobbying for the rehabilitation works and ensuring that the projects commenced without further delay.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah